Saturday, December 8, 2007

I've been busy as a little elf, making Christmas gifts! I took a few hours off work on Friday and came home early and got started. Somehow, it seems like I ought to have more to show for all I've been doing, but things are coming along. Here are a couple things I think it's safe to show you.

On my way home from work, I stopped by the quilt shop when I remembered I would need some batting before long for some of my gifts. They had a few panels on sale, so I picked one up and turned it into a tablerunner. I used the quilt-as-you-go method--this is the first time I'd really tried it and it worked nicely, but I have to say I think it would come out nicer if I had pre-washed my fabric. Once I finished the runner and binding, I tossed it in the washer and dryer. When it came out, I realized it would benefit GREATLY by a little more quilting, so I added that today.

Then I've been making microwave potato bags--three so far, and I think this is as many as I need, although I'd really like to make myself one. I've heard they work great! My husband and I will put together some kind of food gift baskets with these included. My husband has been tasked with coming up with ideas on what to add to the baskets that would go along with the potato theme. Any ideas? We're looking for things that wouldn't spoil too quickly, since at this time of the year, there's no telling when people will get around to eating things.

I thought there might be one or two of you out there in Blogland who would be interested in making spud bags too. Click HERE for the link to a nice tutorial on their construction. They're basically a small quilt that you turn into something resembling a purse or bag. I used leftover quilt blocks in making mine, and I think that made them kind of interesting without me spending a lot of time piecing fabric. Besides that, I was able to use some blocks I wasn't able to use before.

Time to head back to the Sweat Shop. I have some gingerbread men waiting for me in there. Thanks for dropping in to visit!

I've been making those potato bags as well, and did keep one for myself. Tried it out earlier in the week and they work really well. How about barbaque sauces or chilli sauces, there's some lovely gourmet ones available now.

Ok just had another idea, I should be in the sewing room.... Anyway back home in Oz we used to eat baked potatoes topped with chilli, cheese and sour cream, mmm yum. So how about a recipe card for the chilli and perhaps a ban of kidney beans and packet of spices to make the chilli? Ok that's it for me, time to go do some of my own Christmas sewing.

What I want to know is this - why do you need a bag to microwave a potato in? What difference does it make? Does it make them come out more like oven baked potatoes? I've read about these many times, but have never gotten an answer to this question.

I have never seen or heard of microwave potato bags - I'm lovin' the ones you made. I'll have to check out the link to that tutorial. Thanks!I think your table runner is very pretty - love the quilting!

About Me

I'm a quilter living in Northern California. I sew and design quilts. During the day, I'm a legal secretary, but at night, I can usually be found in the Sweat Shop, engaged in the sport of X-treme quilting! I'm married and have two adult kids, Soccer Son and the Wild Child. I have a daughter-in-law, the Lovely Wife, and an almost son-in-law (whose blog name is yet to be determined). AND both of my children have blessed me with darling grandchildren recently, a boy and a girl. I try not to take myself too seriously and often write tongue-in-cheek--if you think I might be joking, I probably am!

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IT'S ABOUT TIME!

It's 2013. YIKES! It's 2014! And what's my plan for the year? More of the same? Let's see what I said last year: "Before 2012 ended, several ongoing projects were set aside. Okay, who am I kidding? I'm sure I could say the same thing for every year since 2000! So, in 2013, I'm going to try to get back to many of the 2012 projects and some that were begun even earlier, and get them done. I'll keep track of my progress, in words and photos, here in my side bar." Yep, one year wasn't enough--I think we'll roll it on into 2014!